What are Mould Mites and How To Eradicate Them

Mould mites are often found in those damp and neglected spaces in your home, these mites are very small, barely visible to the naked eye and so often go unnoticed. In this blog, we discuss how to identify mould mites, what attracts them, what risks they pose to you and your family, how to prevent them and most importantly how to get rid of mould mites.

How to identify if you have Mould Mites

If you disturb them, they can move quickly. So, if you notice tiny dots moving rapidly across surfaces, it could indicate their presence. Mould mites have a short life cycle of around 30 days, but they reproduce rapidly. That's why it's important to identify them early on.

Pictured: White Mould Mites

If you disturb them they can move quickly, so if you notice tiny dots moving rapidly across surfaces, it could indicate their presence. They have a short life cycle of around 30 days but they reproduce rapidly, this is why it is important to identify mould mites early on.

What are some visible signs of mould mites in the UK?

  • White fluff or brown staining on areas affected by mould.

  • Dust accumulation under shelves or near food products

  • Large clusters of small white dots that appear to be moving.

Watch out for these signs that can help you detect mould mites quickly and hopefully mitigate a full mould mite infestation in your home.

Causes and Risk Factors of Mould Mites

Mould mites live in environments where mould and mildew are present as these fungi are their primary food source. They are commonly found in areas of high humidity and moisture, typically in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, cellars, and any area that has been affected by flooding or water damage.

Since mould mites feed on mould and mildew, their presence in your home is often linked to the existence of these fungi on surfaces like walls, ceilings, or furnishings. If you spot mould growth in your home, there’s a higher likelihood of mould mites being present as well.

Mould mites don't directly harm humans, but they can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms like skin irritation, itching, or respiratory issues may occur due to exposure to mould mites or waste particles. If you or your family members have unexplained allergic symptoms, it's crucial to check for potential mould and mould mites. However, prolonged mould presence in your home could pose more severe health risks, especially for children or those with existing respiratory conditions.

How to prevent mould and mould mites

What causes mould? Various factors can contribute to mould growth like moisture from leaking pipes, rising dampness, or rain through damaged roofs or window frames, poor ventilation leading to condensation can also contribute to mould formation.

Here are some effective methods to keep your home mould-free:

Improve Ventilation

Ensure proper airflow by using the fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Opening windows regularly can help circulate air, especially in areas that are prone to moisture buildup.

Maintain Heating

Keeping your heating on, even at a moderate level, can prevent rooms from cooling completely which reduces the likelihood of mould growth.

Control Humidity

Mould and mould mites thrive in humid environments. If your home is particularly humid use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%, particularly in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, cellars, and kitchens. You can purchase dehumidifiers that turn on if they detect levels below the recommended so can help reduce the risk of mould growth.

Repair Leaks Promptly

Check for and fix any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or walls as soon as you can. Regular inspections can help prevent water from seeping into your home.

Use Mould-Resistant Products & Materials

Consider using mould-resistant paints and materials, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. These products are specifically designed to prevent mould growth.

You could opt for mould-resistant materials for bedding, upholstery, and furniture, particularly if your property is prone to moisture buildup. These materials can help reduce the likelihood of mould and mould mites.

Declutter Your Space

Clutter provides hiding places for mould and mould mites and can decrease airflow, leading to moisture buildup. Keeping your home tidy and organised can help to minimise potential breeding grounds for mould and pests.

Additionally, here are some quick tips to further reduce the chance of mould growth in your home:

  • Avoid drying your clothes on radiators, as this can increase indoor humidity levels.

  • Don’t overwater your indoor plants, as excess moisture can contribute to mould growth.

How to eradicate mould mites

Here is our guide on how to effectively eliminate mould mites:

1. Identify Where They Are: Take a close look around your home to find spots with mould, moisture buildup, or high humidity levels. Mould mites often lurk in places like food cupboards, bathrooms, kitchens, cellars, and areas affected by water leaks or flooding. If you find mould mites in your food cupboard, toss out any contaminated food. For mould on soft furnishings or toys, wash them at high temperatures and make sure they dry completely.

2. Eliminate Mould Growth: Since mould mites feed on mould, eliminating mould is essential for eradicating the mites. Clean mould-infested surfaces using a specialised mould cleaner. If the mould problem persists, consider contacting our mould remediation specialists for professional assistance.

3. Reduce Humidity: Lowering your home's humidity levels is critical to eradicating mould mites. Use dehumidifiers to maintain humidity below 60% in affected areas, especially in high-moisture zones like bathrooms and kitchens. Improve ventilation by opening windows and using exhaust fans to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

4. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, floors and your home’s foundations to prevent moisture and limit mould mites' access to your home. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, pipes, and vents where mites can enter your home.

5. Contact the Experts: For severe mould mite infestations, consider contacting mould remediation specialists who can effectively address the problem using specialised techniques and non-toxic treatments.

By implementing these eradication strategies consistently and thoroughly, you can effectively eliminate mould mites from your home and create a healthier living environment. If you’re dealing with a severe mould mite infestation, it may be necessary to seek professional help from mould remediation specialists.

At HPC our mould removal service not only kills mould, mould mites, and mould spores, it does so without dampening any surfaces and unlike many other mould remediation services, it leaves behind no unpleasant odour, in fact our solution makes the space a nicer place to be.

Myles Pemberton